In cases involving severe bed sores (also referred to as: pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers) on the buttocks or sacrum, a physician may recommend a surgical procedure to prevent fecal material getting into the wounds. The surgical procedure is referred to as a ‘colostomy’ or ’diverting colostomy’.
A colostomy is a major surgical procedure that involves cutting the colon into a shorter piece and bringing it through the wall of the abdomen. A colostomy bag is attached to the end of the colon exiting the abdomen where fecal material is collected. The end of the colon that leads to the rectum is closed off and becomes dormant. Many colostomy procedures can be reversed, if and when they are no longer needed.
While the thought of a colostomy may be disheartening, for many people suffering from severe bed sores it is likely an essential part of the overall healing process. Without a colostomy, many bed sore patients suffer from recurring infection and even sepsis.
Have a question about bed sores that you can't find on the website? Please use this form to send this question to an experienced nursing home lawyer:
Following a medication-error related death and other medication-related problems that resulted in patient injuries, Minnesota Department of Heath investigators concluded ...
Even at nursing home facilities with relatively high Medicare ratings and low average number of health deficiencies, serious problems can ...
Many families are forced to institutionalize their disabled children in nursing homes because of many states don’t have the resources ...
Jonathan Rosenfeld is a lawyer who represents people injured in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Jonathan has represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois and across the country. Jonathan's reputation as an aggressive advocate for the rights of the injured has resulted in millions of dollars recovered on behalf of his clients. Jonathan's successful representation of nursing home victims has resulted in many speaking engagements to elder groups.